Hitachi CML174SXWB

Author's product rating:   

Picture quality
Colour sensitivity
Design
Ease of use
Value For Money

Advantages:	True 17" size, Good resolution, V good brightness, Ultra fast response time, DVI output, Size, 3 year warranty
Disadvantages:	Price, Base does not swivel

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

===*Description/Introduction*===

The Hitachi CML174SXW-B is currently one of the highest specification LCD TFT monitors on the LCD market. I purchased one from CRS Solutions in December of 2002, and I am highly impressed.
The monitor itself is 17" of pure joy, housed in a top quality, sleek black casing.
The looks of the monitor are absolutely superb, and it is excellent for those just wishing to add a bit of style to their desktop.
LCD monitors are becoming ever more popular, and it looks like this particular monitor, and others of its ilk could be the monitors to break the stereotype of slow response, blurry LCD's.

===*Specification*===

The important bits:

*Screen Size: The screen size is 17 inches, this, unlike CRT (normal) monitors is its true viewable size, measured from top right to bottom left, diagonally. Unlike CRT monitors which are measured via tube size (2 inches or so are underneath the plastic casing around the tube which means that the viewable area is smaller.

*Native resolution: TFT monitors all have a 'native resolution' this native resolution is the highest resolution that the monitor can run at - the one that it is designed for. LCD monitors can run at lower resolutions, but the picture quality is nowhere near as good. At 1280x1024 this LCD monitor has a high resolution for video and gaming.

*Brightness: 260cd/m2 - This is a good brightness for the screen, and images and video appears very nice and bright.

*Pixel response: Usually one of the most important aspects when choosing an LCD monitor, the response time is how quickly the small dots (pixels) comprising the screen can react to a change in picture. The response time is between 12 and 16ms (miliseconds) a decent response time is 25ms, meaning the Hitachi CML174SXWB provides fast moving images and video excellently. Note there is no 'ghosting' on this monitor (when images 'trail' accross the screen. This means that the monitor is also especially suited to gaming (fast paced FPS' etc).

*Output: You can use either a normal analogue connector (every PC has one of these) or a DVI connector (for high quality digital output), if you want to use DVI then you need a graphics card with a DVI output.

*Pixel Pitch: The pixel pitch determines how crisp an image is. The smaller the pixel pitch, the crisper the image. The Hitachi CML174SXWB has a 0.264mm/0.264mm dot pitch which provides VERY crisp text and images.

*Fixing: The panel can be mounted on a wall, or you can use the stand which it comes attached with. The stand tilts.

*Dimensions: (H)x(W)x(D) - 15.5"x14.7"x8.0"

*Weight 11.0 lbs.

===*Warranty*===

With the screen being quite expensive at this moment in time, I thought that the warranty was worth a special mention. There is a three year on site warranty with the Hitachi CML174SXWB. The warranty does not cover for the monitor going less bright with time as this is a natural occurrence, and obviously damage done by yourself to the monitor is not covered. The warranty is however excellent, and it was a main buying point for me to purchase the screen.

===*Where to buy*===

Currently, the following online websites sell the Hitachi CML174SXWB:

http://www.dabs.com
£371.29 (inc VAT) P&P £4.70

http://www.overclockers.co.uk
£373.77 (inc VAT) P&P £8.66

Sorry there are no more, but the monitor is hard to get a hold of here in the UK.

===*Advantages/Disadvantages*===

Advantages:
(+)Equivalent to a 19" CRT monitor
(+)Good resolution
(+)Very good brightness
(+)Ultra-fast pixel response time
(+)DVI output for digital video
(+)Fine pixel pitch
(+)Very thin profile
(+)Uses little power (approx 43W)
(+)Easier on the eyes than a CRT monitor
(+)Brilliant 3 year warranty
(+)Excellent contrast ratio (400:1)

Disadvantages:
(-)Price may be prohibitive for some
(-)Base does not swivel

===*Further info*===

For further info see the following websites:

Hitachi official site: http://compare.monitorsdirect.com/hitachidisplays/productinfo.jsp?id=858

GamePC review: http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=17inchlcds&page=1

Toms Hardware review: http://www4.tomshardware.com/display/20030109/index.html

Smart Computing review:
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Fhardware%2F2002%2Fh0512%2F18h12%2Easp&guid=yci20dei&searchtype=0&WordList=cml174

*Conclusion*

The Hitachi CML174SXWB LCD TFT monitor is one of the best, if not THE best flatscreen LCD TFT montior avalible to buy at this moment in time. It is excellent for the hardcore/casual gamer as well as people with style, and people who actually like to get work done! I highly recommend this monitor and I hope you enjoyed my op on it.